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2024 Chi Omega Christmas Market Co-Chairs Karen Hunt, Debbie Lang and Nancy Woodall recently revealed the beneficiaries of the 47th annual Chi Omega Christmas Market (COCM), which will be held September 26-28, 2024, at Dallas Market Hall. COCM will grant critical funding for beneficiaries in key focus areas – Arts, Civic, Education, Health and Welfare – including: Behind Every Door Ministries Inc, Bonton Enterprises, Children’s Craniofacial Association, Family Compass, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, Make-A-Wish North Texas, Network of Community Ministries, Swan Strings, Texas International Theatrical Arts Society, The Stewpot, TOGETHER WE THRIVE, Women in Need of Generous Support (WINGS) and Young Women’s Preparatory Network. Additionally, funds raised will support collegiate scholarships.

“Each year, Chi Omega Christmas Market supports a diverse array of non-profit organizations that represent some of the most critical needs in the Dallas community, as well as collegiate scholarships,” said Erin Fischer, 2023-2024 Beneficiary Committee Chairman and Dallas Alumnae President-Elect. “We are so grateful to our community, shoppers, patrons, and sponsors who support the Market and allow us to donate essential funds to these deserving beneficiaries.”

The Dallas-area alumnae started the Chi Omega Christmas Market in 1978, living out its mission to serve others. In its 46-year history, COCM has donated more than $10.4 million to support more than 146 different worthy Dallas-area beneficiaries who serve our community in the categories of arts, civic, education, and health and welfare.

Shopping dates are September 26-28, 2024, with market hours on Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dallas Market Hall, located at 2200 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207. For more information, visit www.chiomegachristmasmarket.org.  

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Junior League of Dallas (JLD) awarded $40,000 in collegiate scholarships to 10 college-bound women from Dallas ISD during its 11th annual Women LEAD Speech Competition and Awards Ceremony held Saturday, March 23 at JLD Headquarters. The top 10 ranked finalists were selected from a highly competitive set of 26 applicants from Emmett J. Conrad High School, Thomas Jefferson High School, and South Oak Cliff High School. Founded in 2013 by JLD, the Women LEAD (Learn. Excel. Achieve. Dream.) scholarship program was created to assist female high school students in pursuing their dreams of higher education and to create opportunities for future women leaders. Since the program began, the League has awarded 72 scholarships totaling $345,000 to female seniors from these three area high schools.

“The dedication, passion, and resilience demonstrated by these young women throughout the Women LEAD program have been inspiring,” said JLD President Christina Eubanks. “As they prepare to embark on their next chapter in higher education, we are filled with immense pride and optimism for what the future holds. These young women not only embody the values of leadership and excellence that we cherish but also remind us of the power of education and mentorship. The Junior League of Dallas is honored to have played a role in their journey and looks forward to witnessing their continued success and contributions to the community.” 

In October, Women LEAD Chair Cathryn McClellan and Signature Projects Vice President Emily Ronck and their committee held workshops at the three high schools to review the application and scholarship program. After the finalists were selected in early February, JLD members re-visited the schools to hold public speaking workshops. The committee scored applications based on the criteria of academic performance, resume, letters of recommendation, transcript, and an essay. 

The top 10 ranked applicants were invited to present their speeches on March 23 in front of this year's judges including: JLD President Christina Eubanks; Nordstrom Stylist Program Manager Jessica Tennison; and Senior Philanthropy Officer of Communities Foundation of Texas Ashley McIver. Former TV reporter and JLD Sustainer Calvert Collins-Bratton emceed the event. 

In the oratory competition, the students were given this prompt: In 2020, Team USA gymnast Simone Biles made the difficult decision to step away from gymnastics right before the women's all-around final in the Tokyo Olympics. She faced criticism for this decision but remained confident that she needed to step away to focus on her mental health. We've all had to make difficult decisions that others don't agree with. Tell us about a time when you made an unpopular choice that was in your best interest. 

In response, the audience and judges heard inspirational speeches from each of the top 10 finalists, including: Liliana Aguirre, Miranda Castillo, Genesis Stephanie Contreras, Anatupenda Daphrose, Lidiya Gebrehiwot, Amy Jeanette Lopez, Jazmin Martinez, Prava Pokhrel, Naimat Rabiu, and Tosminara Shamsuddin. Additionally, the students spoke about their passions and how receiving a Women LEAD scholarship will help them achieve their goals. Individual passions motivate these students to chase their dreams and turn them into a reality, and each of these young women hope to fulfill those dreams in a way that will make a positive impact on the world and inspire the people around them. 

Following the oratory competition, the judging panel tallied the votes and determined the winners based on the merits of their scholarship application and speech presentation. The winner of the $15,000 Women LEAD Scholarship Program was Naimat Rabiu. Second place winner Amy Lopez received a $10,000 scholarship; third place winner Anatupenda Daphrose received a $5,000 scholarship; fourth place winner Lidiya Gebrehiwot received a $3,000 scholarship; and fifth place winner Miranda Castillo received a $2,000 scholarship.  Honorable mention winners Liliana Aguirre, Genesis Stephanie Contreras, Jazmin Martinez, Prava Pokhrel, and Tosminara Shamsuddin each received a $1,000 scholarship. 

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Skinny Leg Tribe is proud to support the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, through Life Is Why™, a cause marketing campaign benefiting the American Heart Association. Life Is Why inspires consumers to celebrate their reasons to live healthier, longer lives – by giving.

"Cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of 1 in 3 women, more than all cancers combined. I am extremely passionate about supporting cardiovascular research and creating awareness of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke among women. I lost my mother-in-law to a heart attack," said Skinny Leg Tribe Founder Kimberly Scott. "Our cherry red Vacilon over-the-knee style, debuting this month, offers the perfect opportunity for my company to support the American Heart Association's efforts to create awareness and change these statistics while creating a brighter future for all women."

Through the end of the month, a portion of all online sales of the cherry red Vacilon boot through https://skinnylegtribe.com will provide shoppers the opportunity to donate quickly and efficiently to support the mission of the American Heart Association.  Funds raised will be contributed to the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women® program, which supports cardiovascular research and promotes women's heart health awareness during the month of February. Donations through the Life is Why campaign – no matter the amount – allow the Association to implement initiatives such as funding research that can improve the health outcomes of heart and stroke patients, training more than 2.5 million high school students in CPR annually, and supporting the work of local entrepreneurs and organizations working to improve health outcomes in under-resourced communities. To learn more about the Life is Why campaign and other participating companies, please visit heart.org.

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

Skinny Leg Tribe is a collection of luxury leather boots tailored to offer the perfect fit for petite women and women with slender calves. Even more notable, the Skinny Leg Tribe is on a mission to create a community of support for petite and slender-legged girls and women, regardless of their shape and size, while offering footwear that delivers the perfect fit, phenomenal comfort, timeless style, and luxurious quality. Skinny Leg Tribe sells luxury leather boots in US sizes 6 to 11. Calf sizes are 11.5, 12.5, 13.5, and 14 inches, and shin sizes measure 11.0, 12.0, 13.0 and 14.0 inches. Prices range from $795 –$995. For more information, visit the website.

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Skinny Leg Tribe is proud to support the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, through Life Is Why™, a cause marketing campaign benefiting the American Heart Association. Life Is Why inspires consumers to celebrate their reasons to live healthier, longer lives – by giving.

"Cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of 1 in 3 women, more than all cancers combined. I am extremely passionate about supporting cardiovascular research and creating awareness of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke among women. I lost my mother-in-law to a heart attack," said Skinny Leg Tribe Founder Kimberly Scott. "Our cherry red Vacilon over-the-knee style, debuting this month, offers the perfect opportunity for my company to support the American Heart Association's efforts to create awareness and change these statistics while creating a brighter future for all women."

From now through February 29, a portion of all online sales of the cherry red Vacilon boot through https://skinnylegtribe.com will provide shoppers the opportunity to donate quickly and efficiently to support the mission of the American Heart Association.  Funds raised will be contributed to the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women® program, which supports cardiovascular research and promotes women's heart health awareness during the month of February. Donations through the Life is Why campaign – no matter the amount – allow the Association to implement initiatives such as funding research that can improve the health outcomes of heart and stroke patients, training more than 2.5 million high school students in CPR annually, and supporting the work of local entrepreneurs and organizations working to improve health outcomes in under-resourced communities.

 To learn more about the Life is Why campaign and other participating companies, please visit heart.org.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About Skinny Leg Tribe

Skinny Leg Tribe is a collection of luxury leather boots tailored to offer the perfect fit for petite women and women with slender calves. Even more notable, the Skinny Leg Tribe is on a mission to create a community of support for petite and slender-legged girls and women, regardless of their shape and size, while offering footwear that delivers the perfect fit, phenomenal comfort, timeless style, and luxurious quality. Skinny Leg Tribe sells luxury leather boots in US sizes 6 to 11. Calf sizes are 11.5, 12.5, 13.5, and 14 inches, and shin sizes measure 11.0, 12.0, 13.0 and 14.0 inches. Prices range from $795 –$995. For more information, visit the website.

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Artist Tom Hoitsma, widely known for his large-format gestural abstract paintings, found inspiration for his new metal wall sculptures in the wreckage left by a devastating tornado, which tore through his Dallas neighborhood in October 2019. With 140 mile per hour winds, the super-charged tornado ripped through old Preston Hollow, including Hoitsma’s street, leaving a path of destruction and debris. 

While on a walk with his 12-year-old daughter the morning after the tornado, Hoitsma witnessed a couple standing in front of what was left of their home. The roof was gone and only a few exterior walls were still standing. The only structure left was an interior wall with a white door (the exterior walls to that room were gone) that the couple and their two daughters huddled against during the storm. They survived without a scratch, and Hoistma couldn't help noticing an odd, almost joyful euphoria about them. They had survived against the odds and were somehow given a chance to rebuild. 

“We have all seen images of this kind of destruction in the media but to walk the neighborhood the next morning and see the destruction with my own eyes was completely surreal and deeply disturbing,” Hoitsma said. “That moment got me thinking about how humans are so resilient. We see this again and again from every corner of the world. Events in our lives can destroy our neighborhoods or break our hearts, but somehow, we are not defeated.” 

From the debris left by the destruction, beauty was created. It became Hoitsma’s mission to take whatever mangled material he could find and create something new that was vibrant and beautiful. His abstract sculptures symbolize how our hearts get bumped, bruised and battered but remain full of hope and joy. The sculptures represent the change from tragic life events to finding joy once again, with use of the twisted metal to create the perfect metaphor.

“This work, born of the tragedy and loss, is an examination of how we are able to create joy from unimaginable heart break, and the unstoppable resiliency of the human spirit,” he added.   

The first few of the abstracted “heart shaped” metal wall sculptures were constructed from the debris found following the tornado, however, Hoitsma now uses his own metals that mimic the original scrap debris after realizing the limitations of the found metals. Constructed of aluminum and finished with automotive paint, they are 100 percent weatherproof and can be placed in any indoor or outdoor living area. Pricing and additional detail can be found here.

Hoitsma is also well known for his large-format gestural abstract paintings on canvas, which now are available by commission or through galleries where he is represented around the United States, including: Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Florida, Massachusetts and New Jersey. In addition to his metal wall sculptures and paintings, Tom is experienced in documentary filmmaking and has produced a variety of award-winning music television series including the documentary series, “The Texas Music Scene,” which continues to air throughout the country. For more information, please visit https://tomhoitsma.com/.  

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The Junior League of Dallas will offer the Dallas community a chance to connect with various non-profit agencies the Junior League of Dallas supports at the annual Community Volunteer Fair Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at NorthPark Center, located at 8687 North Central Expressway. Attendees will be able to learn about volunteer opportunities during the Community Volunteer Fair, which is free and open to the public. 

The Junior League of Dallas cultivates women leaders who collectively address the critical needs of the community. Founded in 1922, JLD is one of the largest Junior Leagues in the world, as well as the largest and oldest training organization for women in Dallas. Active members range in age from 22 to 49 with approximately 85% percent of women employed outside of the home. The JLD provides leadership opportunities to nearly 4,000 women each year through more than 17,000 cumulative hours of experiential and formal training. Uniquely member-run, JLD provides approximately 100,000 hours in volunteer service and more than $1 million in funding to area nonprofits each year. For more information, please visit www.jldallas.org or Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. 

NorthPark Center is the preeminent shopping center in the Southwest and one of the finest finest shopping experiences in the world with more than 200 stores and restaurants, including more than 75 market exclusives. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Eataly, NorthPark offers an unparalleled collection of luxury boutiques set amid internationally acclaimed 20th and 21st century art, award-winning architecture, and extraordinary landscaping—as well as a 1.4-acre garden, CenterPark, and a state-of-the-art movie theatre, AMC NorthPark 15. NorthPark consistently ranks as one of the top five performing shopping centers in the United States and is North Texas’ number one visitor destination. NorthPark is conveniently located 7 miles from downtown Dallas and 35 miles from Fort Worth. northparkcenter.com, 214.363.7441, 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX, 75225. 

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Kat + Noelle, Nikki Smith Designs, PaperAffair, Scarlet Reagan, and TASC, located in the Pavilion on Lovers Lane, will host a Holiday Shop & Stroll benefiting Community Partners of Dallas on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 12 – 5 p.m at 5710 W. Lovers Lane. Shoppers will receive 20% off purchases with the donation of the following items to Community Partners of Dallas’ Rainbow room: coats, hats, gloves, and adult, toddler, and infant-sized socks. Coats must be new with tags, and all children and teen sizes are needed.

Since 1989, Community Partners of Dallas has ensured safety and restored dignity and hope to abused and neglected children by providing crucial resources and support to the caseworkers of Dallas County Child Protective Services. Community Partners of Dallas provides items such as winter coats, diapers and formula, holiday gifts, school uniforms, personal hygiene products, food and more, to send the abused children in our community the message that someone does care. Please visit www.communitypartnersdallas.org for more information. 

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There is one week left to donate to the Dallas 24 Hour Club Holiday Toy Drive! 

Each year, Dallas 24 Hour Club (The 24) – a nonprofit that provides transitional living, support services, and essential life skills for homeless alcoholics and addicts so they can embrace long-term sobriety and become contributing and self-supporting members of the community – hosts a Resident Toy Drive with the support of the community. Residents of The 24 are parents, grandparents, aunts and/or uncles who, for many years, have been unable to provide a gift for their loved ones. The 24’s Toy Drive offers Residents the opportunity to "shop" for gifts and wrap up their items for gifting this holiday season. This important event has opened communication for Residents to reconnect with family and loved ones, an important part of the recovery process. 

Gifts can be purchased through Dallas 24 Hour Club’s Amazon Wish List here and includes a range of toys and books for all ages, from newborns to teens. Toys will be collected from now through December 8, and Residents will be able to shop the selections at a holiday event on December 10, 2023, at Dallas 24 Hour Club. Volunteers will wrap gifts and spread holiday cheer during this joyous celebration. Santa will even make an appearance!

“Our annual Toy Drive is a beloved tradition at The 24 and is so important for our Residents, as gift giving offers an opportunity for many to reconnect with their families,” said Marsha Williamson, CEO Emeritus of Dallas 24 Hour Club. “Last year, we collected nearly 200 toys, and we are grateful to those who have supported us over the years by shopping our Amazon Wish List. We hope you will consider shopping and supporting our Residents this holiday season.”

Founded in 1969, Dallas 24 Hour Club provides transitional living, support services and essential life skills for homeless alcoholics and addicts, so they can embrace long-term sobriety and become contributing and self-supporting members of the community. The main facility on Ross Avenue offers a six-month program for men and women to help them embrace recovery, find employment, reconnect with family members, and learn to live independently. Tillman House, Dallas 24 Hour Club’s program for Successful Graduates, is a yearlong program that helps Residents transition into living independently. Throughout their stay, Residents can receive scholarships to further their education through Texas Tech University or Dallas College’s WorkReadyU program. More than 35 12-Step Meetings are hosted weekly at Dallas 24 Hour Club on Ross Avenue. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend Recovery Meetings and to provide fellowship and support to the Residents. The Hubcap Café, located inside Dallas 24 Hour Club, is open daily to the public from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information about Dallas 24 Hour Club, please visit www.dallas24hourclub.org. 

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For 102 years, the Junior League of Dallas (JLD) has equipped its members to be leaders and change-makers within our community. As part of an effort to re-imagine how League members are trained to serve, the JLD partnered with local nonprofit, BoardBuild, to educate JLD members to prepare them for nonprofit board service.

“Every day, hundreds of Dallas nonprofits are making a powerful difference in the lives and futures of our neighbors, and JLD members have long served on numerous nonprofit boards across our city, making an immeasurable impact on a range of critical issues,” said Christina Eubanks, Junior League of Dallas President. “We are excited to share this new partnership with BoardBuild, which will further enhance our members’ experience and help them make an even bigger impact in the Dallas area.” 

Junior League of Dallas provisional, active and sustainer members were invited to be part of this customized hybrid learning program, at no cost. BoardBuild’s Board Essentials certification teaches best practices for effective board leadership and helps graduates connect with Dallas nonprofits that are actively seeking board members. Nonprofits can post open board and committee positions on the BoardBuild platform at no cost and can now specifically search for certified JLD members. 

“The outpouring of interest from our membership shows JLD is a robust source of emerging and established leaders now equipped to serve nonprofits on another level. While we had 189 members earn their certification this fall, more than 100 additional members are still in progress. Through BoardBuild, JLD is serving our nonprofit community in a new way, making it easier than ever for agencies to directly match with qualified leaders!” explained Dulari Mehta, who is leading this effort within the League for the 2023-2024 service year. 

BoardBuild is a North Texas-based nonprofit founded in 2019 that trains and certifies emerging and established leaders and connects them to serve on nonprofit boards. Last year, BoardBuild trained nearly 500 individuals nationwide and matched 124 individuals with nonprofit board positions, including 82 women and 67 BIPOC individuals.

“As women are underrepresented at the governance level across all board rooms, BoardBuild is proud to partner with the Junior League of Dallas to equip and empower talented and committed women to affect policy change and to be strong advocates for social impact,” said President and CEO of BoardBuild, Pam Cannell.

Cannell further went on with a call to action: "BoardBuild invites nonprofit organizations who seek to match with certified and qualified Junior League members to post their open board positions on the BoardBuild platform today at absolutely no cost.”

For more information on this program within the Junior League visit here or email boardbuild@jldallas.org. To connect with BoardBuild, email pam.cannell@boardbuild.org and visit the page here BoardBuild.

The Junior League welcomes women who value its mission and is committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities. If you are interested in membership in the Junior League of Dallas, applications for the 2024 – 2025 year are now open. Click HERE to complete an application. Applications close March 11, 2024.

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To celebrate its launch and ring in the holiday gift-giving season, emerging footwear brand, Skinny Leg Tribe, will host a pop-up shop this weekend in Preston Park Village. The pop-up shop will showcase the brand’s luxurious made-to-measure, handcrafted Italian leather boot collection, tailored to provide the perfect fit for petite and slender-calved women. Founder Kimberly Scott will be onsite offering shoppers personalized fittings, and the boots, sold exclusively online, will be available for purchase during the event.

The Skinny Leg Tribe’s mission is to create a community of support for petite and slender-legged girls and women, regardless of their shape and size, while offering footwear that delivers the perfect fit, phenomenal comfort, timeless style, and luxurious quality. While the Skinny Leg Tribe's boots are undeniably exquisite, the brand's essence goes beyond leather and stitches. It's a movement of body positivity, acceptance, and the celebration of individuality.

Skinny Leg Tribe sells luxury leather boots in US sizes 6 to 11. Calf sizes are 11.5, 12.5, 13.5, and 14 inches, and shin sizes measure 11.0, 12.0, 13.0 inches. Prices range from $795 - $995, and the collection can be seen here. Skinny Leg Tribe footwear is sold exclusively online at https://skinnylegtribe.com/.

The Skinny Leg Tribe pop-up is located in Preston Park Village, 1900 Preston Road, Plano, Texas, 75093. Shop hours are Saturday, November 18 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 19 from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. Skinny Leg Tribe will also hold a pop-up Saturday, December 9 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 10 from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m., also in Preston Park Village.

For more information, visit https://skinnylegtribe.com/ or follow us on Instagram @skinnylegtribe.